Gospel Lectern (regular column)
by Bob Darden
Billboard magazine, p. 35
Sept. 5, 1992
NOTE: boldface text in original retained.

THE STRANGE SAGA of Mike Warnke apparently came to an end recently with a press release from Word Records saying the company has decided to indefinitely "suspend the sale and promotion" of all Warnke products.

Warnke, who has sold more than one million units for Word, is currently represented by the Dayspring release "Full Speed Ahead."

Warnke is a comedian who also heads up Mike Warnke Ministries Inc., which specializes in counseling young people and consulting law enforcement agencies on the issues of Satanism and occult activities. Warnke claims to be a former Satanist high priest in his best-selling book "The Satan Seller." Through the course of 13 releases and two videos since 1975, he has built a sizable following.

But as early as 1989, serious questions began to surface about many of Warnke's claims. Many of those allegations—and a host of others—were addressed in an exhaustive, 12-page exposé in the current issue of Cornerstone, the lifestyle/music magazine published by the Jesus People USA. Authors Jon Trott and Mike Hertenstein devoted 12 pages and two years' worth of work to minutely detailing Warnke's past and statements.

The result is "Selling Satan," a heavily footnoted, carefully documented text that raises serious questions about every facet of Warnke's life and ministry. For instance, one sidebar documents all of Warnke's many public statements about his academic credentials (allegedly two bachelor's degrees, two master's degrees, and a doctorate of divinity from Antioch Univ.). The authors say they could substantiate few of Warnke's claims. (Warnke's subsequent rebuttal failed to address the issue completely.)

Both Word and Warnke reacted angrily to the article. Word promptly issued a release attributed to Word president Roland Lundy saying they'd met with Warnke and "conducted follow-up on the areas in question." "The information we received reinforces our confidence in his ministry," Lundy is quoted as saying.

Warnke's accompanying 12-page response is filled with attacks on Cornerstone and one of his three ex-wives and precious little rebuttal. Most of Cornerstone's major concerns are never addressed.

It probably would have remained an impasse if The Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader on July 29 hadn't run a separate story calling into question the business ethics and financial integrity of Warnke Ministries. Other major Christian music organizations, publications, and individuals also began to come forward demanding more detailed information from Warnke.

Finally, earlier this month, Word issued a second release, without Lundy's name attached, that stated that in light of The Herald-Leader's article, Word and Warnke had "jointly determined" to suspend sale of Warnke's product. The release also reported retailers would be allowed "full return privileges pending the resolution of questions surrounding this matter."

While Warnke had no final official statement, the Word release concludes: "Word is grieved by the initial and ongoing allegations directed toward Mike Warnke. We are concerned for our friend and brother in Christ. However, there are still many questions yet to be answered. At this juncture, we trust and believe Mike Warnke will respond comprehensively to these media allegations."


original filename: CSR0012A.TXT
"Gospel Lectern"
Release A, 4 June 1998

This file was previously released as BILLBORD.TXT in the WARNKE2.ZIP archive on the JPUSA BBS in October 1992. Heading and footing information revised.

This file may be reproduced on electronic media and communications services without charge or permission from the author(s), so long as the wording of the text remains unaltered. For files on related subjects, please visit our website at <http://www.cornerstonemag.com/> or write to: Cornerstone, 939 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640-5706, U.S.A.

[end-of-file]


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